Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 11: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 50; Evening, Psalms 66 and 67;
Joshua 9:3 to 21; Romans 15:1 to 13; Matthew 26:69 to 75:
“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15: 5 – 6)
These words of Paul about who God is, is worth some deep pondering. Paul says the God of “steadfastness and encouragement.” Steadfastness, to me, means discipline. It means to keep on keeping on. This is the discipline of my blogging, every day. However, we must look at content. The discipline of steadfastness is negative if the content of what we are being steadfast about is negative. The content of steadfastness must be both good and uplifting for our family, friends and humanity. This then is the encouragement part.
We all should lift up the good traits and habits we see in others. Such lifting up is encouragement and it promotes harmony. Even the most introverted person likes to hear words of encouragement. Such words really do bring about harmony in the community. This is how the God of love is revealed in the community. I think this is why Paul says that God is the God of steadfastness and encouragement. God is made manifest in how we embrace one another in steadfastness and encouragement. In this way, when people see you coming, they will say to themselves, “here comes “Good News!” This blog is an example of my steadfast discipline and encouragement to all who read this blog so that readers may, with one voice, glorify the God and Parent of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools. And, as we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Today we remember James the apostle and brother of John the apostle. His information can be found at http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/James.htm .
Let us pray:
Most Holy God as you are changeless in steadfastness and encouragement, and as you have made us in your image, watch, and be with us even more closely as we live together. Keep us ever mindful of the virtues of patience which leads to kindness, which encourages us to live in global harmony regardless of language, faith tradition or nationality, as this is your divine will for us, You who live and love forever and ever, Amen.
onewhoponders 